Find a list of our dedicated staff and Board of Directors below. Then, meet KidsVoice team members in our Staff Q&A series!
Our work is made possible by our generous donors, with special thanks to the Guardian Society, as well as our Pro Bono partners.
Staff
Management
Scott Hollander
Executive Director
Scott has a BA degree from Tufts University and a JD degree from the University of Michigan. Scott joined KidsVoice in 1999 with six years of previous experience representing children at the Rocky Mountain Children’s Law Center and at Evans Ivory private law firm. Scott has taught child advocacy and trial skills as an adjunct professor at the University of Denver College of Law and as an adjunct professor in the Civil and Family Justice Clinic at Duquesne University Law School. Scott received the 2004 Child Advocate of the Year Award from the Pennsylvania Bar Association and the 2004 Child Advocacy Award from the American Bar Association for his work at KidsVoice.
Jonathan Budd
Associate Executive Director
Jonathan has a BA in Social Work from the University of Wisconsin, an MA in Public Affairs from the Humphrey Institute at the University of Minnesota, and a JD from the University of Pittsburgh. Jonathan joined KidsVoice in 2003 and had extensive prior experience in juvenile programming, nonprofit administration and human resources. He worked as a counselor for delinquent and at-risk youth in residential and community settings, as a program manager for the United States Department of Justice's National Institute of Justice and the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, as Assistant Director of Jewish Family & Children's Service, and as a labor and employment attorney for Reed Smith.
Danell Cooper
Director of Finance and Administration
Danell has a BA degree in Business Administration - Accounting with a concentration in Computer Science from Westminster College and an MBA with a concentration in Management from Duquesne University. Danell also has Certified Public Accountant and Chartered Global Management Accountant certifications. Danell re-joined KidsVoice in 2022 after a brief hiatus. She had over 30 years of previous experience in auditing and as a Controller and Chief Financial Officer in manufacturing and non-profit organizations.
Supervisors
Kristin Flory
Supervising Attorney
Kristin has a BS degree in Political Science with minors in Childhood Studies, Psychology, Sociology, and Women’s Studies from Rutgers University and a JD degree from The Pennsylvania State University Dickinson School of Law. Kristin joined KidsVoice in 2011 and had two years of prior experience in child advocacy.
Lila Harris
Supervising Attorney
Lila has a BA degree in Sociology from Trent University and a JD degree from Duquesne University School of Law. Lila joined KidsVoice in 2011.
Jennifer McGarrity
Supervising Attorney
Jennifer has a BS degree in Elementary Education from Duquesne University and a JD degree from the University of Dayton School of Law. Jennifer joined KidsVoice in 2005 and had nine years of prior experience in the legislative and family law areas.
Stephanie Pawlowski
Supervising Attorney
Stephanie has a BA degree in Religious Studies from Bethany College and a JD from the University of Buffalo Law School, SUNY. Stephanie received an award for Outstanding Achievement in the Areas of Children’s Rights and Family Violence from the Women Lawyers of Western New York in 2003. Stephanie joined KidsVoice in 2013 and had 10 years of prior experience as a law clerk for the Anchorage, Alaska, Superior Court, a public defender, family law attorney, and child advocate. Stephanie has volunteered as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer and cared for children as a licensed foster parent.
Angelica Shepard
Supervising Attorney
Angie has a BA degree with a double major in English and Psychology from St. Vincent College and a JD degree from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law. Before joining KidsVoice in 2017, she was a litigator (and partner) in one of Pittsburgh's largest law firms, where she practiced for more than 16 years in the areas of insurance coverage, commercial transactions, personal injury, and products liability.
Tom Welshonce
Supervising Attorney
Tom has a BA degree in Psychology from West Virginia Wesleyan College and a JD degree from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law. Tom joined KidsVoice in 2008 and had four years of prior experience in corporate law.
Attorneys
Royse Bachtel
Staff Attorney
Royse has a BA in Political Science from Allegheny College, where she graduated magna cum laude and was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa. Royse has her JD from Duquesne University, where she participated in its Appellate Moot Court program and Youth Advocacy Clinic. Royse joined KidsVoice in 2021.
Samantha Barclay
Staff Attorney
Samantha has a BA degree in Political Science and Sociology from Washington & Jefferson College. She earned her JD degree from Duquesne University School of Law. Samantha previously interned at a local magisterial district judge’s office, and joined KidsVoice in 2019 after four years of working as a real estate attorney.
Alayna Bartko
Staff Attorney
Alayna has a BS in Psychology from the University of Pittsburgh and a JD degree from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law. Alayna joined KidsVoice in 2019 after being a Certified Legal Intern in the office. Her Equal Justice Works Fellowship, sponsored by PNC Bank and Reed Smith, LLP, focused on the opioid epidemic.
Brianna Bell
Equal Justice Works Fellow
Sponsored by PNC Bank and Reed Smith, LLP
Brianna has a BA degree in Religious Studies and English from Franklin & Marshall College and a JD degree from University of Pittsburgh School of Law with a certificate in Public Policy. Brianna joined KidsVoice in 2020 as a certified legal intern. Her Equal Justice Works Fellowship, sponsored by PNC Bank and Reed Smith, LLP, focuses on special education.
Lucy Burgunder
Staff Attorney
Lucy has a BS in Social Work from Temple University and a JD degree from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law. Lucy joined KidsVoice in 2021 and had two years of prior experience in Family Law and Civil Litigation.
Lexus Cersosimo
Staff Attorney
Lexus has a BA in psychology from Duquesne University and a JD from Duquesne University School of Law. Lexus joined KidsVoice in 2023 with three years of prior experience in family law. While at Duquesne Law, Lexus was awarded the Clinical Legal Education Association Outstanding Student Award for her work in the school's Family Law Clinic.
Alyssa Drake
Staff Attorney
Alyssa has a BA degree in International Relations from Duquesne University and a JD degree from Duquesne University School of Law. Upon graduation, Alyssa was awarded the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Outstanding Student Award and was recognized for her pro bono service. Alyssa joined KidsVoice in 2018 and after a brief hiatus returned in 2023 with two years of prior family law experience.
Jonah Fish-Gertz
Staff Attorney
Jonah has a BA degree in History and Philosophy & Religion from Elmira College. He obtained a JD from Temple University. Prior to joining KidsVoice, Jonah worked as a Staff Attorney for Franklin Ciybty Legal Services, and as a law clerk in the 39th Judicial District for the honorable Jeremiah D. Zook. Jonah hails from a small town in New York that used to be named Podunk.
Jeff Gdovin
Senior Staff Attorney
Jeff has a BS degree in Secondary Education, Social Studies, from Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania and a JD degree from The Pennsylvania State University, Dickinson School of Law. Jeff joined KidsVoice in 2017 after almost two years of prior experience in family law, civil litigation, and estate planning.
Danielle Iman
Senior Staff Attorney
Danielle has a BS degree in Diplomacy and International Relations from Seton Hall University and a JD degree from University of Pittsburgh School of Law. Danielle joined KidsVoice in 2012.
Erin Krotoszynski
Staff Attorney
Erin has a BA degree in Political Science from Clarion University and a JD degree from The Pennsylvania State University Dickinson School of Law. Erin joined KidsVoice in 2021 and had three years of previous experience as a legal aid attorney.
Jessica Kuvinka
Staff Attorney
Jess has a BA degree in sociology with a concentration in criminal justice and minors in psychology and German from Duquesne University. Jess has a JD degree from Duquesne University. Jess joined KidsVoice in 2021 and had 5 years of previous experience as a real estate attorney. She previously interned with the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania under Justice Wecht.
Sophie Lee
Staff Attorney
Sophie has a BS degree in Psychology from Penn State University and a JD degree from the University of Pittsburgh. Upon graduating from law school, Sophie was awarded the Outstanding Law Student award. The National Association of Women Lawyers recognized her contributions towards the advancement of women in law and society. Sophie joined KidsVoice in 2024 after serving as a judicial law clerk.
Robert Lykos
Senior Staff Attorney
Robert has a BA degree in English Literature from Rhodes College and a JD degree from the University of Denver College of Law. Robert joined KidsVoice in 2006 and had one year of prior experience in immigration law.
Amanda Meighan
Staff Attorney
Amanda joined KidsVoice in November of 2017 as an Attorney on the Education team. Mandy received her BA in International Commerce & Negotiations and Business Administration from Washington & Jefferson College and a JD degree and Health Law Certificate from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law. While at the University of Pittsburgh, Mandy advocated on behalf of children with disabilities as a Fellow with the LEND (Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities) Center and was ultimately awarded the Dick Thornburgh Prize for Public Service. Mandy joined the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs as a Presidential Management Fellow directly after law school, working at the VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System in Acquisitions, the Office of Regional Counsel, and Human Resources.
Arjun Mishra
Staff Attorney
Arjun is from upstate New York. He earned his BA and BS degrees from Syracuse University and his JD degree from the University of Pittsburgh. Arjun joined KidsVoice in 2018. Prior to KidsVoice, Arjun worked as an immigration lawyer, representing clients in business, family, and humanitarian immigration matters.
Samantha Moyer
Staff Attorney
Samantha has a BS degree in Social Work from Slippery Rock University and a JD degree from Thomas M. Cooley Law School. Samantha joined KidsVoice in 2014 and had two years of prior experience in criminal and family law.
Jane Myhers
Senior Staff Attorney
Jane has a BA degree in Sociology from the University of California, Irvine, and a JD degree from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law. Jane joined KidsVoice in 2017 and had two years of prior experience as an Associate practicing in Family Law and Civil Litigation.
Kristen Ornato
Senior Staff Attorney
Kristen has a BA degree in Political Science and Anthropology and a Master's in Social Work from the University of Pittsburgh and a JD degree from American University Washington School of Law. Kristen joined KidsVoice in 2014 and had 18 years of prior experience in Tax, Employee Benefits, Wealth Planning, Corporate Administration and Trust Administration.
Amy Racunas
Staff Attorney
Amy has BA degree in English from Pennsylvania State University and a JD degree from American University Washington College of Law. Amy joined KidsVoice in 2024 with 18 years of prior experience in public service, juvenile and family law as well as as an Education and Medical Guardian and School Liaison.
Rachel Rosnick
Staff Attorney
Rachel has a BA degree in Sociology and Political Science, a Master’s degree in Public and International Affairs, and a JD degree from the University of Pittsburgh. Rachel joined KidsVoice in 2020 and had 10 years' previous experience at small firms and in private practice.
Deirdre Shope
Senior Staff Attorney
Deirdre has a BA degree in Communications from the University of Virginia and a JD degree from Suffolk University. Deirdre joined KidsVoice in 2017 and had three years' prior experience as a Court-Appointed Special Advocate in Pittsburgh and as an Assistant Public Defender in Agana, Guam.
Brenton Sige
Staff Attorney
Brenton has a BS degree in Psychology from Saint Vincent College and a JD degree from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law. Brenton joined KidsVoice in 2023 and had one year of previous experience as a CYF solicitor.
John Sembrat
Staff Attorney
John has a BS degree from the University of Tennessee and JD from Duquesne University Kline School of Law. John joined KidsVoice in 2024 and had 9 years of previous experiene as a family law attorney in private practice.
Elizabeth Smith
Staff Attorney
Elizabeth has a BA degree in Marketing from Westminster College and a JD from Duquesne University Law School. Elizabeth joined KidsVoice in 2023 after gaining experience as an education attorney in the private sector.
Marcus Spisso
Staff Attorney
Marcus has a BA degree in History and Political Science from The Pennsylvania State University and a JD degree from The Pennsylvania State University Dickinson School of Law. Marcus joined KidsVoice in 2019 and had two years of prior juvenile advocacy experience. While at Dickinson Law, Marcus was named a Public Interest Scholar and awarded the Clinical Legal Education Association Outstanding Student Award for his work in the school’s Children’s Advocacy Clinic.
Anne Terrien
Staff Attorney
Anne has a BA in International Affairs and Geography from The George Washington University and a JD from the University of Wisconsin. Anne joined KidsVoice in 2022 and had 5 1/2 years of previous experience as a public defender, prosecutor, and county attorney.
John Valantassis
Staff Attorney
John has a BA degree in Economics from Haverford College and a JD degree from Temple Law School. John joined KidsVoice in 2021 and had nine years of previous experience representing families of children with disabilities.
Lynda Vernon
Staff Attorney
Lynda has a BS in Social Work from the University of Tennessee and a JD from Duquesne University School of Law. Lynda joined KidsVoice in 2019 and had three years’ of previous experience in criminal and family law.
Rachel Wilcove
Staff Attorney
Rachel has a BA in Political Science & Sociology and a JD from Penn State Dickison Law School. Rachel joined KidsVoice in 2024, bringing her years of experience as an education attorney. She also previously worked as a third grade teacher.
Ryan Wilityer
Staff Attorney
Ryan has a BA degree in criminal justice from the University of Delaware, and a JD from Duquesne School of Law. Ryan joined KidsVoice in 2023 with three years of experience in family. Prior to joining KidsVoice Ryan was an Assistant District Attorney in Mercer County. During his time there he oversaw the Mercer County Treatment Court program.
Micah Wright
Senior Staff Attorney
Legal Training Coordinator
Micah has a BA degree in International Politics from Pennsylvania State University and a JD from the Thomas R. Kline School of Law at Drexel University. Micah joined KidsVoice in 2017 after nearly three years of experience as an Assistant District Attorney in Allegheny County.
Tara Yontz
Senior Staff Attorney
Legal Training Coordinator
Tara has a BS degree from the University of South Carolina, an MSW degree from Hawaii Pacific University and a JD from Capital University Law School with a concentration in Child & Family Law. Tara joined KidsVoice in 2015 with two years of experience in adoption, permanency support, and sexual abuse treatment and two years of legal experience as a hearing officer in juvenile court and estate research. Tara was awarded the Above and Beyond Advocate Award in 2017.
Child Advocacy Specialists
Sharon Broker
Senior Child Advocacy Specialist
Sharon has a BA degree in Psychology and Sociology with a concentration in Criminal Justice from Duquesne University and an MS degree in General Human Services from Capella University. Sharon joined KidsVoice in 2008 and had seven years of prior experience in the child advocacy and counseling in foster care and group home settings.
Matthew Carlin
Child Advocacy Specialist
Matthew has an MS degree in Sports Psychology from California University of Pennsylvania and a BA degree in Sociology from Westminster College. Matthew joined KidsVoice in 2019 and had six previous years of experience advocating for children and their families.
Suzy Carnevali-Doan
Child Advocacy Specialist
Suzy has a BA degree in Sociology and Spanish and a Master's in Social Work from the University of Pittsburgh. Suzy has previous experience working with children and immigrant and refugee populations. Suzy joined KidsVoice in 2023 and is thrilled for this new experience.
Jennifer Chapman
Child Advocacy Specialist
Jennifer has a BS degree in Applied Developmental Psychology from the University of Pittsburgh. A former intern at KidsVoice, Jennifer returned to KidsVoice in 2020 after working in the behavioral health field.
Ben Cook
Senior Child Advocacy Specialist
Ben has a BA degree in Theater Arts and MS degree in Applied Developmental Psychology from the University of Pittsburgh. Ben joined KidsVoice in 2004 and had six years of prior experience in behavioral health and developmental disabilities services for hearing and Deaf children/adolescents in special education, and in family-based and residential treatment. Ben has served for over 10 years as the Youth and Services Coordinator for the Pittsburgh Gay and Lesbian Community Center. Ben was awarded the Pittsburgh “40 under 40” award in 2007 and the Jefferson Award for Public Service in 2010.
Shelly Cook
Senior Child Advocacy Specialist
Shelly has a BS degree in Psychology from the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg. Shelly joined KidsVoice in 2015 and had 14 years of prior experience in group home counseling and case management.
Alexa Crippen
Child Advocacy Specialist
Staff Development Coordinator
Alexa has a BA degree in Psychology, a BS degree in Sociology and an MSW degree from the University of Pittsburgh. Alexa joined KidsVoice in 2018 and had six years of previous experience in the child therapy, child advocacy, and foster care casework areas, two years of which were in a supervisory capacity. In addition, Alexa interned with Homewood Children's Village and Court Appointed Special Advocates of Allegheny County.
Paige Haggerty
Child Advocacy Specialist
Paige has a BA in Sociology from Penn State University and a Master's degree in Social Work from University of Pittsburgh. Paige joined KidsVoice in 2019 after previously working at a foster care agency for a year. Paige is a Licensed Social Worker.
Kelby Haskins
Child Advocacy Specialist
Kelby has a BA degree from Lock Haven University, an MBA from Chatham University, and an MSW from the University of Pittsburgh. Kelby joined KidsVoice in 2017 and had 11 years of prior experience working in Residential Treatment Facilities, as a therapist in public schools, and working with individuals with intellectual disabilities and other mental health disorders.
Cassandra Musta
Child Advocacy Specialist
Cassandra has a BA degree in Anthropology from the University of Pittsburgh and an M.Ed degree from Carlow University. Cassandra joined KidsVoice in 2021 and had five years' experience as a youth advocate and seven years' experience working in education.
Arianna Ordway
Child Advocacy Specialist
Arianna has a BA degree in Psychology and Sociology from Duquesne University. Arianna joined KidsVoice in 2023 and had 3.5 years of previous experience as a child welfare caseworker in Allegheny County.
Katelyn Poremski
Child Advocacy Specialist
Katelyn has a BA degree in Psychology from Point Park University and a Masters in Social Work from the University of Pittsburgh. Katelyn is a Licensed Social Worker. She completed her Masters-level internship with KidsVoice in 2019. Katelyn joined the KidsVoice staff in 2019.
Tiffany Russell
Child Advocacy Specialist
Tiffany has a BS degree in Criminal Justice from South Carolina State University and an MS degree from Kaplan University. Tiffany joined KidsVoice in 2006 and had seven years of prior experience in juvenile corrections, independent living, and foster care.
Rebecca Shafer
Senior Child Advocacy Specialist
Independent Living Project Coordinator
Human Services Training Coordinator
Rebecca has a BA degree in Psychology from Edinboro University. She joined KidsVoice in 2003 and had seven years' prior experience in child and adolescent counseling and experiential learning.
Alicia Vance
Child Advocacy Specialist
Alicia has a BS degree in Criminal Justice from Fairmont State University. Alicia joined KidsVoice in 2018 and had two and a half years of previous experience working with child protective services as a caseworker and six years of previous experience working as a caseworker and case manager in juvenile corrections.
Brianna Whelan
Child Advocacy Specialist
Brianna has a BSW from the University of Alabama and an MSW from the University of Pittsburgh. Brianna joined KidsVoice in 2022 and had five years of experience in in-home family counseling and foster care casework.
Mandy Sue Wolovich
Child Advocacy Specialist
Mandy has a BA degree in Political Science from the University of Pittsburgh and a JD degree from Vermont Law School. Mandy joined KidsVoice in 2021 and had over 15 years of prior experience in mental health case management, public interest law, and special education advocacy.
Jacqueline Zizzi
Child Advocacy Specialist
Jacqueline has a BA degree in Social Work from Cedar Crest College and a master's degree from the University of Pittsburgh in Social Work. Jacqueline joined KidsVoce in 2024 bringing with her 13 years of experience with working with children and teenagers.
Nursing Consultant
Lindsey Crevar
Child Advocacy Nurse Consultant
Lindsey is KidsVoice’s dedicated nurse consultant, providing client health evaluations and coordination through a collaboration between the Child Advocacy Center at UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh and the Allegheny County Office of Children, Youth and Families. Lindsey is a registered nurse with a BSN from PennWest Clarion. Lindsey joined the Child Advocacy Center as a Child Advocacy Nurse in 2018 and had 7 years of previous pediatric experience in Cardiology, Insurance, and Private Practice. She has been on full-time assignment to KidsVoice since 2021.
Legal Support
Tara Gainfort
Senior Legal Assistant
Tara has a BA degree in Politics and Philosophy with a related concentration in Latin American studies from the University of Pittsburgh Honors College. Tara joined KidsVoice in 2016 and had eight years of prior experience in the legal areas of social security disability, litigation, and general corporate law administration, as well as event management for local non-profit arts organizations.
Sheila Heath
Senior Legal Assistant
Sheila has a Paralegal Certificate from Penn State University. Sheila joined KidsVoice in 2013 and had over 10 years of prior experience as a paralegal and legal administrator.
Support Staff
Joanna Johnson
Senior Lead Regional Support Staff
Joanna joined KidsVoice in 1999 and had over 10 years of prior experience in the administrative field.
Karen McDonald
Regional Support Staff
Karen has an AS degree in Business Administration from Duff’s Business Institute. Karen joined KidsVoice in 2020 and has over 20 years of experience working in non-profits and management.
Nicole Olen
Senior Support Staff
Nicole has an AS degree from ICM School of Business. Nicole joined KidsVoice in 2008 and had over 10 years of prior administrative and family law legal secretarial experience.
Luke Westerbeck
Education Support Staff
Luke has a BA in Spanish from Duquesne University. Luke joined KidsVoice in 2023 after working in Internet Safety for Telus International for four years.
Development
Garth Graeper
Director of Development
Garth has a BA in English and Economics from Vassar College and an MA from the University of Maryland. Garth joined KidsVoice in 2018 after eight years at Penguin Random House and three years of non-profit fundraising.
Aleah Monroe
Communications Associate
Aleah joined KidsVoice in 2023 and had four years of previous experience in marketing and social media management.
Administration
Kat Lash
Receptionist
Kat has a Bachelors degree in Social work from Slippery Rock . She joined KidsVoice in 2021 with 5 years or previous casework experience.
Michelle McCully
Human Resources Manager
Michelle has a BS degree in Business Administration from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Michelle joined KidsVoice in 2012 with over 20 years of prior human resources experience in the banking and legal industries.
Joy Myers
Senior Office Manager
Joy has a degree in Marketing and Business Communications from Community College of Allegheny County as well as other certificates and licensing. Joy joined KidsVoice in 2016 and has a wide variety of experience in companies ranging from large corporations to non-profit organizations. She has over 15 years' experience in reception and administrative support.
KidsVoice Boards
KidsVoice is governed by two boards. One, KidsVoice Pennsylvania, governs all local advocacy efforts while
the other, KidsVoice, governs our national work and other projects.
KidsVoice Pennsylvania
Board of Directors
Jason D'Amico
Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney
Debra Dermody
Community Volunteer
Treasurer
Scott Frishman
Deloitte
Rev. Brenda Gregg
Project Destiny
Buddy Hobart
Solutions 21
Ed Kabala
Fox Rothschild
Treasurer
Gregory Kaminski
Community Volunteer
Joanne La Rose
FedEx Ground
Immediate Past President
Michael Lynch
K&L Gates
Michael Moose
First National Bank
Assistant Treasurer
Chuck Moser
Cisco Systems
Daniel Rosati
Community Volunteer
President
Thomas Shields
Douglas Oil & Gas
Mark Schrott
Community Volunteer
Doug Stuver
Pittsburgh Steelers
William Thompkins
Community Volunteer
Judy Thompson
Community Volunteer
Jeffrey Upperman, M.D.
Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt
Michael Yoon
PNC Bank
KidsVoice Board of Directors
Bill Guttman
General Partner, Saturn Ventures
Vice President
Scott Hollander
KidsVoice
Ex Officio
Ed Kabala
Fox Rothschild
Immediate Past President
Tom Shields
Douglas Oil & Gas
President
Michael Yoon
PNC Bank
Treasurer
Stay Informed
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